Mercedes is bringing the buttons back to the interior

Mercedes-Benz plans to incorporate more physical controls into its digitally focused cabins, as software chief Magnus Estberg stated that “the data indicates physical buttons are more effective.”

The new GLC and CLA Shooting Brake electric vehicles come with a redesigned steering wheel featuring several buttons. This steering wheel will become standard in future Mercedes models and will be added to all current cars, starting with the CLA sedan.

This, Estberg said, is the easiest and most cost-effective way to add physical controls to cars already on sale while still retaining Mercedes’ digitally oriented cabins.

At the recent Munich Motor Show, he told Autocar, “The difference is clear when comparing the CLA, which has a touchscreen and fewer buttons, to the new GLC, where we’ve reintroduced physical buttons. Our data shows these buttons are important for certain age groups. Balancing physical buttons and touch controls is crucial, which is why we brought them back.”

“This is crucial,” Estberg said, noting that data can guide decisions like reintroducing physical controls. He indicated that designs might vary by market; for example, Europeans prefer buttons, while Asians favor touchscreens and voice controls.

Estberg said Mercedes is also looking at adding more physical controls elsewhere in the cabin for future models—but that will likely be kept on SUVs, because “in bigger cars we have more freedom to package” and buyers of those cars “care more about buttons.”

Mercedes intends to add more artificial intelligence focused on voice commands in its cars, aiming to strengthen its presence in China, the largest car market. Estberg mentioned that European buyers are also using this feature, with voice command usage in the CLA having tripled among Mercedes drivers. “It’s phenomenal,” he said.

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